ITALY

Italy is a country in southern Europe, with a border to France to the west. It has a population of about 60 millions and the capital is Rome.

It takes about an hour to get to the Italian border from Nice by train or car.

myniceisnice_Excursions_Norway_17May celebration

17 May, the National Day

Karl Johan street and Castle park

The National Day, 17th May, is a big party for the people. Starting with a champagne breakfast at home, before the children’s parade in front of the royal castle in Oslo. The Royal family is standing at the balcony waving at the parade for hours. 

People are dressed up in national dresses (bunader) or the Sunday suit.

The 17 May 1814, the Norwegian constitution was signed for an independant Norway after the separation from Denmark and before the union with Sweden later the same year.

 

Ventimiglia

Ventimiglia is the first Italian town coming over the French border. It’s easy to take the train from Nice (or any other city along the Riviera).
It takes around 1 hour by train and 50 minutes by car from Nice.

The city has about 25.000 inhabitants.

myniceisnice_Excursions_Italy_Ventimiglia old town
Ventimiglia old village
Ventimiglia train station

Mercato dei Fiori

The Food Market

Friday market

Selling everything, most fake

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Coffee shop

real Italian coffee

Apricale

A small village 1 hour by car from Nice. It’s situated at 300 m altitude and has about 600 inhabitants.
It’s build during the 13th century. It’s nice to walk around in the narrow streets, admiring the old houses and the church. Then finish with a lunch at the main square,.

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Apricale Village
myniceisnice_Excursions_Italy_Apricale_Church
Apricale Church

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Apricale Square

Piedmont

A region of Northwest Italy, the second largest region of Italy with a population of 4,3 M. The capital of Piedmont is Turin.
It’s also an important wine region and it’s known for its production of white truffles. 
The north west part of Piemonte was part of the Nice county until 1860. 
It takes 2-2h30 by car from Nice.

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Casa Wallace

Via Piazze 25 , Cremolino

A very nice Bed & Breakfast managed by Sarah and Claudio since 2001. They enjoy preparing healthy breakfasts.
It’s situated in the middle of the wine yards. You can have a guided tour of the wine cellar with a holistic view of the wine production process. 
Spend the afternoon by the pool and see the sun go down behind the hills from the terrace.

Within an hour you can reach Barolo, Barbaresco and other villages. 

Barolo

Barolo is an important wine-producing area noted for its Barolo wine. The region of Barolo is one of the most famous appellations to utilise the Nebbiolo grape. The Barolo wines have many similarities with Bourgogne wines. 
The  region has been recognised as Unesco Heritage in 2014

Barolo is also home to the multi coloured art project The Chapel of Barolo.

Barbaresco

Barbaresco is principally known for its mediaeval tower, constructed between the 12th and 14th centuries, and its production of wine bearing the same name.

The Enoteca Regionale in Barbaresco is situated in an old church in the middle of the village. The Barbaresco wine shares many similarities with Barolo.
There is a fantastic view from the tower over the vineyards and the Neive river.

Bar Code district

Bjørvika, Oslo

The Barcode Project is a section of the Fjord City redevelopment on former dock and industrial land in central Oslo. It consists of a row of new multi-purpose high-rise buildings that was completed in 2016. There has been intense public debate about the height and shape of the buildings. 

The name Barcode refers to the 12 different buildings in different heights, very narrow but still with some space in between.

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Cochs Pension

Parkveien 25, Oslo

Simple but proper 2-star hotel in the centre of Oslo, very close to the Castle park. Closest train station is Nationaltheatret. It’s situated in a building from the beginning of 1900.

I had a room facing the street and it was rather noisy with the traffic in the morning.

The hotel offers coffee for free, but no breakfast. But there are 2 coffee shops just outside on the street. 

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Lorry

Parkveien 12, Oslo

Lorry is one of Oslo’s oldest restaurants, and has been run by the same family through three generations. There is a nice atmosphere and smiling waiters. The decoration is surprising, you’ll be greeted by exotic animals, unique artwork and rare objects.

There is a choice of food from a scrim sandwich to a savvy hamburger and the portions are generous.

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Lille Herbern

Herbernveien, Oslo

The Barcode Project is a section of the Fjord City redevelopment on former dock and industrial land in central Oslo. It consists of a row of new multi-purpose high-rise buildings that was completed in 2016. There has been intense public debate about the height and shape of the buildings. 

The name Barcode refers to the 12 different buildings in different heights, very narrow but still with some space in between.

Frognerseteren

Holmenkollveien 200, Oslo

Frognerseteren has always had a special meaning for the people of Oslo. The place dates from the end of the 19th century and is situated on top of Holmenkollen, 435 meters above the city. From the tales inside you have a spectacular view. The kitchen continues to prepare the food according to old Norwegian food traditions. 

A great place with great food and nice staff.

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Aker Brygge

Sentrum, Olso

This is a popular area in the harbour in the center of Oslo. The docks are full of bars and restaurants and it’s very nice to take a drink in the sunset on a beautiful spring evening.



myniceisnice_Excursions_Norway_daytime view